Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton today announced that Mike Taylor has joined the firm as a partner in the Abu Dhabi office.
He joins from Clifford Chance, where he worked for more than 25 years in London, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
He is widely recognised as one of the go-to advisors for the highest profile mergers & acquisitions (M&A) and equity capital markets (ECM) transactions in the Middle East.
Notably, he was lead advisor on AXA’s disposal of its entire Middle East insurance business to Gulf Insurance Group, Hassana Investment Company’s investment in Saudi Aramco’s oil pipeline business, and Sahara Petrochemical Company’s merger with Saudi International Petrochemical Company.
He has also led on some of the biggest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the region, including for Americana, Investcorp, and MBC.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mike to the firm,” said Cleary Gottlieb managing partner Michael Gerstenzang. “His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets will be a terrific complement to our leading sovereign wealth fund practice which advises on some of the largest and most important transactions in the world.”
“Abu Dhabi continues to be a focus for investment for our firm, and is critical to our strategy as we build upon our long history and expertise advising sovereigns,” he said. “The recent promotion of Mohamed Taha to partner, the addition of Mike and the allocation of further senior internal resources reflect the importance the firm places on clients in the region and their global ambitions.”
“Cleary Gottlieb’s Abu Dhabi office has developed one of the leading practices in the region and adding a well-respected leading practitioner like Mike is a perfect fit both for this office and the clients we serve,” said Abu Dhabi partner Chris Macbeth. “With more than 25 years of experience in London, the UAE and Saudi Arabia and having a specialized skillset in this ever-changing region, Mike will bolster our growing practice and client reach.”
Cleary Gottlieb announced the promotion of Mohamed Taha to partner in November 2024.
In May 2024, it was announced that corporate partner Lynn Amar had departed Cleary Gottlieb for Clifford Chance.
Clifford Chance has been approached for comment.
